3 Principles for Living Out Your God-given Purpose

At some point in our lives, we have all asked the question, “What is my purpose?”

In response, we face a multitude of answers.

But as Christians, one response stands out above the rest. Our purpose—the reason for which something is done or created—is to bring glory to our Refuge and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

That answer comes simply, but it forces us to chew on another question, “How can I let my purpose be the center of my life?”

Here are three principles for living out the Christian’s purpose in today’s world.

1. Let Your Purpose Prioritize Your Life

Leading a Christ-centered life can seem nearly impossible. We know our purpose, to praise our Savior, but distractions happen every day that divert our attention.

How can Christ remain the focal point of our lives?

In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible highlights and answers our question, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

We cannot center ourselves on Christ by leaning on our own understanding, but by trusting in our Lord and by acknowledging Him, He will guide us down the right path.

To fulfill Christ’s purpose for our lives, we must prioritize it daily. And in order to prioritize—to designate or treat something as more important than other things—we must continually rely on and trust in the One who created us—Jehovah.

Our own desire and longing to glorify Christ cannot occur without His guiding hand and sovereign love. When we rely on Christ, we are ultimately bringing glory to Him.

2. Share the Hope of Christ on Purpose

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Our personal lives can be entirely focused on Jesus, but God calls us to go beyond our own private, Christian walk.

We are called to prioritize AND reflect God.

We are called to be a light, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

We are called to be different—to stand out; to be distinct from the rest of the world.

Not only must we prioritize God’s purpose in our lives, but we must also let others know they were created for this great purpose, too. We have a hope—Jehovah—and it’s our job to share that hope with others.

By sharing the hope of Christ, by being different, we are proclaiming that Christ is our Center, our All in All. Nothing can take us away from Him, and through Him, we are fulfilled.

3. Let Your Purpose Clarify Your Choices

Our purpose—to bring glory to our Redeemer—not only defines our hearts and lives but should also define our choices.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Many try to find purpose in the glories of the world, but we know without a doubt that living for the glory of Christ defines our existence. We cannot simultaneously fulfill our purpose of glorifying God and seek the riches of this world. Through seeking Christ and living according to His will, we can base every decision on the glory of God.

This earth will fall to ruin, but our reason for existing—to rejoice in the Great I Am—will never pass away.

We have such an amazing purpose on this earth, gifted by the Creator, and that purpose must clarify our every decision.

No Greater Purpose

Prioritize Christ. Reflect Christ. Choose Christ–through all these principles, Christ is the center.

These three verbs can seem simple, but even the most mature Christian can admit that none of these are possible unless done through the Lord’s grace. So lean on Him and trust Him to help you.

After all, there is no greater purpose than to give God glory.